Marjorie E. Kohn

Marjorie Edith (Cowles) Kohn, 92, of San Benito, TX and formerly of Westfield, WI, was born August 25, 1922 to Alfred and Edith (Granger) Cowles in Fond du Lac, WI and left this earth on September 16, 2014. She attended schools in Oakfield and Hudson, WI and shortly after graduation enlisted in the US Coast Guard Women's Reserves in February, 1943, serving at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC from August, 1943 to her discharge on November 15, 1945.

While serving in the USCG in Washington, Margie met the love of her life and soul mate, Francis E. Kohn of North Fond du Lac, WI, at a phone booth while both were standing in line waiting their turns to call home. Realizing they were both from the Fond du Lac area, a friendship quickly developed and a bond was created that lasted a lifetime. Margie and Francis were married on December 28, 1946 in North Fond du Lac, WI. Six sons were born to the marriage, Francis J. "Buster" (Judy) of Park Falls, WI, Brian (Jennifer) of Snohomish, WA, Thomas, (Sally) of Orlando, FL, Patrick (Gail) of Madison, WI, James of San Benito, TX, and Timothy (Darlene) of Waunakee, WI. Her 6 sons gave her 20 grandchildren: Zachary, Amber, Tracy (Francis); Julie, Scott, Shawn (Brian); Bridget, Robert, Richard, Laura, Ryan, Sarah (Tom); Melissa, James (Pat); Nicole, Jessica, James, Mary "Maggie" (James); Benjamin, Mackenzie (Timothy); and 27 great-grandchildren. Margie is preceded in death by her husband, Francis Eugene, her son Thomas, grandchildren Scott and Sarah and great-grandson Joseph (son of Amber); by her parents, Alfred and Edith Cowles; her brothers Donald, Ralph, Gerald and Wesley; and is survived by her brother Jack Cowles and many nieces and nephews.



Margie and Francis lived in and raised their sons in Westfield, WI from 1949-1977, and were active members of the school, community and founding members of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Westfield and Life-Members of the American Legion Post in Westfield. During their years in Westfield they established lifelong friendships with many of the community's families. Margie was in charge of the home-front, raising their 6 sons, while Francis brought home the bacon as Superintendent of the Westfield School District. In the summers, they would pack up their sons in the Ford station wagon and pulling a pop-up camper would embark on trips to all parts of the United States, memories that will live forever and retold countless times by her sons. Margie's role on those trips were expanded to include that of Navigator, riding shotgun with road atlas and maps in lap to guide pilot Francis the entire trip, and as her sons will attest, "we never got lost" . When not traveling out of state, the 'summer cottage' was the Boulder Lake National Forest Campground in northern Wisconsin, a tradition that has been kept alive by her sons and their families nearly every year since that first camping trip in 1956. Margie's last camp out at Boulder Lake was 5 years ago and she planned to return this past summer if her failing health hadn't prevented the trip.



After leaving Westfield in 1977, Margie and Francis lived and worked in Madison, WI, Margie for the WI Justice Department as a clerk, and Francis for the UW-Wisconsin. They continued to travel, and work, for a few years and became 'full-time' RVers in 1983, spending 9 months on-the-road and 3 months each summer parked at son Jim's backyard in Mt Horeb, WI. In 1988 they relocated to San Benito, TX where they lived until Francis's death in 1989, and Margie continued to live until her recent illness prevented her from living alone. She was a member of the Queen of the Universe Catholic Church in San Benito, serving as a Eucharistic minister, Lector and Commentator. Margie was convalescing at her son Jim's home in San Benito at the time of her death.

FUNERAL INFORMATION



Visitation will be at Presentation Catholic Church, 706 Minnesota Ave, North Fond du Lac, WI on Monday, September 29, 2014 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM with mass to follow the visitation at the church. Presiding will be Fr. Edward Sippel. Burial, with full military honors presented by American Legion, Trier-Puddy Post #75, will be at St. Charles Cemetery in Fond du Lac where she will rest eternally alongside her beloved husband Francis and son Thomas.